Block Watch

Barbecues, play dates, safer streets

That's Block Watch

Strong neighbourhoods start with neighbours who know one another.Become a Block Watch Lead for your block or complex.

Become a Block Watch Lead

Why Block Watch?

Neighbourhoods with a Block Watch feel safer — and more connected. When people know each other, they look out for each other. It’s that simple.Block Watch has been helping Vancouver residents build safer, more supportive communities since 1987. Today, there are over 400 active groups across the city — that’s more than 8,000 extra pairs of trained eyes and ears helping keep watch.But there’s still room to grow. Many blocks and buildings don’t yet have a Block Watch presence — and a little involvement can make a big difference.

Grey areas indicate current Block Watch neighbourhoods.

Benefits To Your Neighbourhood

A safer, more connected neighbourhood

When neighbours team up through Block Watch, everyone benefits — from safer streets to stronger community ties.

Practical training and ongoing support

You’ll learn what to watch for, how to report it, and who to call — with guidance from VPD every step of the way.

Weekly updates to keep you in the loop

Know what’s happening on your block with regular crime awareness tips and info from your VPD liaison.

Real connections with the people around you

Block Watch brings neighbours together — so you’re not just looking out for each other’s property, but building a sense of trust and belonging.

Testimonials

“What Block Watch has done is added to the neighbourliness of the neighbourhood. That opened the door to so many other things — parties, babysitting trades, resource sharing. We even used it to organize grocery deliveries during COVID.”
- Eileen, Grandview Woodlands

“It gave us a better connection with the VPD. With 74 units in our building, it brought everyone just a little more peace of mind.”
- Janice, Fairview

“We set up a Google Group that covers our street and a few surrounding blocks. There’s not much that happens that doesn’t get shared — lost pets, safety issues, traffic updates, even city tree removals.”
- Faith, Grandview Woodlands

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Build a strong neighbourhood around you today.

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Is it for me?

Tariq

A long-time resident of Hastings-Sunrise, Tariq has seen a few too many packages go missing and isn’t sure what to make of some activity in the alley behind his house. He’s not looking to patrol — just to stay informed and feel supported by his neighbours.

Jessie

Living in a West End apartment, Jessie’s hoping to find a few familiar faces in the building — maybe even start a run group. With recent break-ins in the underground parking lot, he also wants to be part of something that helps everyone stay a little more alert.

Abi

New to Mount Pleasant, Abi wants to make sure her kids can safely play on the sidewalk — and she’s hoping to meet other young families nearby. Block Watch is a simple way for her to connect while keeping an eye on what matters most.

What you'll do

Keep a simple contact list of participating neighbours in your group.
Share weekly crime trends and anything noteworthy about your area to your list.
Share helpful safety information and upcoming free webinars from the VPD.
Organize one casual meetup or block gathering each year (we have all the resources you need to help you plan a block party).

You don’t need to patrol the streets or respond to emergencies — just help keep the lines of communication open.

Real Stories

Tiffany - Oarkridge

“On my birthday, I had a package stolen off my porch. I was so upset — but I also had a camera and so did a neighbour. We managed to get video from multiple angles. I stitched them together, and we submitted it to the VPD. The police actually caught the guy. That was when I realized how powerful it is when neighbours work together.That’s really how our Block Watch got started. We were tired of being reactive — we wanted to be proactive. Now, we’ve got about 150 households on our email list across six streets. We help find lost dogs, identify suspicious activity, and even reconnected someone with a lost suitcase full of Christmas presents!”

Mira - West End

“I live in a high-rise, and there are three towers in our complex, each with its own strata. I realized we needed a way to communicate — and more importantly, to build a relationship with the police.We started Block Watch, and now I send out emails with updates from our VPD liaison. People know who to contact, what to report, and how to share concerns. It’s not about patrolling. It’s about awareness — and relationships.”

Landis - Fairview

“The best part was actually during COVID. Every night, people would bang pots in support of healthcare workers, and I started playing my saxophone. A neighbour brought out her flute. We started a little two-person band. That wasn’t part of Block Watch officially — but without it, we wouldn’t have met. That’s what it does. It connects people.”

FAQ

Not at all! Block Watch is about "relaxed awareness" – simply being mindful of your surroundings as you go about your daily life. We teach you how to recognize and safely report suspicious activity, never to confront anyone or put yourself at risk.

While Vancouver police support Block Watch, it's really about neighbours helping neighbours. You and your community decide when and how to involve police – Block Watch simply gives you the tools, training, and network to keep each other safe. It's your neighbourhood, your network, your choice.

About an hour a month once your group is up and running. Many members tell us it naturally fits into time they're already spending in their neighbourhood.

Zero. We provide everything you need to get started. For any neighbourhood gatherings, there are community grants you can apply for, or many groups simply do potlucks and ask local businesses for small donations.

Block Watch connects neighbours and provides safety resources and training. We're here to support your community with information and guidance whenever you need it – you stay in control of your neighbourhood network.

Your personal information will never be shared publicly by the VPD. When you invite your neighbours to join your group you choose the information you want to share depending on how you want to communicate. For example, you will need to introduce yourself, let the neighbours know you are a resident on their street or in their complex, and provide ways to share information among yourselves, like an email and perhaps a cell phone number.

Steps to get started

Step 1: Reach Out
Submit your contact details below and our Block Watch Coordinator will be in touch. If there’s already a group in your area, we’ll connect you; if not, we’ll help you get one started.Step 2: Complete Your Application
Submit a quick application, complete a free police information check at the VPD and take part in a short phone interview.Step 3: Get Oriented
We’ll send you a welcome kit and a short online orientation to complete on your own time.Step 4: Join a Live Training
Attend a one-time Zoom or in-person session — and feel free to bring along neighbours who want to get involved.Step 5: Gather Your Block
Host your first Block Watch meeting with your VPD liaison officer. They’ll provide safety tips, crime updates, and help you decide where your Block Watch signs will go.Step 6: Make It Official
Once training is complete and your group is up and running, we’ll deliver your free Block Watch street signs!

Ready to make a difference?

Sign up

“My next-door neighbour said, ‘I’ll do it if you’ll do it.’ So we both signed on. That’s how it started.”
Eileen, Grandview Woodlands